The United House of Prayer for All People (UHOP) is a Pentecostal Holiness church based on the Oneness movement, founded by Bishop Charles Emmanuel Grace (1881/84?-1960), born Marcelino Manuel da Graça in Brava, Cape Verde. Grace, also known as Sweet Daddy Grace, began his ministry after leaving his work as a railway chef, portraying himself as God’s emissary with authority over redemption. He founded the first United House of Prayer in West Wareham, Massachusetts, in 1919, and then moved his congregation to Newark, New Jersey, before incorporating the organization in Washington, D.C. in 1927.
Grace’s charisma and teachings drew thousands of admirers, earning him the label “Sweet Daddy.” His ministry grew as he led revival meetings and public baptisms, which often included novel tactics like the use of fire hoses. The church became well-known for its annual parades in celebration of former bishops, community activities such as soul food businesses, and a distinctive gospel tradition involving “shout bands.”
Expansion and Influence
Since Bishop Charles Emmanuel Grace, sometimes known as Sweet Daddy Grace, founded the United House of Prayer for All People (UHOP) in 1919, it has evolved into a large religious and community organization. Its growth across the United States, combined with its impact on Pentecostal Christianity and community development, make it an outstanding institution.
Early Expansion Under Daddy Grace (1919-1960)
Daddy Grace’s United House of Prayer grew quickly from its humble beginnings in West Wareham, Massachusetts. Grace’s charismatic leadership and ability to connect with disenfranchised African American populations helped the church expand beyond New England. By the 1930s, the church had established a strong presence in areas like as Newark, New Jersey, and Charlotte, NC. These locations were hotspots for his revival meetings and public baptisms, where he attracted big crowds.
One of the driving leads for the church’s growth was Daddy Grace’s unique approach to mixing faith and practical community service. He was well-known for his medical services and religious products, including Grace Soap, Grace Tea, and Grace Hair Products, which attracted thousands of people to his ministry. He positioned himself as a healer and envoy of God, offering spiritual salvation while also meeting his parishioners’ daily necessities. His leadership fostered a devotional culture, allowing the church to flourish across the East Coast and then nationwide.
Post-Grace Expansion (1960s-1990s)
Following Daddy Grace’s death in 1960, the church entered a new era under Bishop Walter McCollough. McCollough was instrumental in formalizing the church’s operations and spreading its influence across the country. By the 1970s, the United House of Prayer had built a strong presence in Washington, D.C., where its national headquarters were located.
McCollough’s leadership style was distinguished by his dedication to community outreach and the construction of new churches. During his reign, the church constructed numerous affordable housing complexes, notably in urban regions where many of its members lived. These efforts were designed to bring stability and uplift disadvantaged areas, which was consistent with the church’s spiritual and social ideals. The church’s construction and restoration initiatives were primarily sponsored by its members’ generous contributions, and McCollough’s administration guaranteed that each new structure was debt-free when completed.
Influence in the African American Community
The United House of Prayer grew into more than just a religious organization; it also served as a social support network for African Americans, particularly in the South and cities. UHOP’s network of churches, day care centers, senior homes, and educational scholarships aimed to strengthen its members economically and socially. The McCollough Scholarship Fund, founded under Bishop McCollough’s leadership, enabled many church youth to pursue higher education.
UHOP also became well-known for its Soul Food restaurants, which were frequently linked to local church centers. These restaurants provided not only economical meals but also a means of bringing the community together in fellowship. Another noteworthy cultural contribution was the church’s shout bands, brass ensembles that became a distinctive and celebrated component of church services and parades, representing the combination of faith and culture that defined UHOP’s impact.
Public Baptisms and Memorial Day Parades
The church is well-known for its public baptisms, some of which were performed with fire hoses. This dramatic and public display of faith drew attention to the church and became a defining rite for UHOP. Another prominent event that demonstrates the church’s community involvement is the yearly Memorial Day parades, which honor prior bishops and allow the church to commemorate its legacy.
These parades and baptisms, combined with UHOP’s strong community presence, reinforced the church’s visibility and influence in areas where it was established. The church’s marching bands, softball teams, and youth groups also fostered a sense of unity and pride among members, extending its reach beyond just Sunday worship.
Modern Expansion Under Bishop Bailey (2008–2023)
Under Bishop C.M. Bailey’s direction, the church expanded and gained power. During his reign, new worship centers were built as well as existing ones being renovated. Bishop Bailey’s emphasis on education, community service, and infrastructure development reflected his predecessors’ ideals, ensuring that the church remained relevant to its members.
As of 2023, the United House of Prayer for All People has over 145 worship venues in 29 states, with significant hubs in New York, Georgia, Florida, California, and Texas. While the church’s impact was strongest in African American areas, it has since expanded to include a more varied population. UHOP’s dedication to the Apostolic Pentecostal faith, along with its practical social programs, continues to attract members seeking both spiritual fulfillment and real support in their everyday lives.
Cultural and Religious Influence
The United House of Prayer’s combination of African American spiritual traditions with Pentecostal holiness practices has had a long-term impact on the Christian community. Its public worship, which includes boisterous shout bands, baptisms, and parades, distinguishes it from other denominations and contributes to its distinct cultural footprint.
Theologically, UHOP adheres to Oneness Pentecostalism, which emphasizes the belief in one God as revealed in Jesus Christ. The church opposes the orthodox theology of the Trinity, instead emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit. This belief, paired with a dynamic worship style, has impacted other Pentecostal movements and is still important to the church’s religious identity.
Leadership Succession
Since Bishop Charles Emmanuel Grace (Sweet Daddy Grace) founded the United House of Prayer for All People, the organization has had a unique and sometimes difficult history of leadership succession. Grace was a dynamic leader who left a lasting legacy for the church, but his death in 1960 created a time of uncertainty as the church attempted to fill the leadership hole. Here is a full account of the church’s leadership succession.
Bishop Charles Emmanuel Grace (Founder, 1919–1960)
Bishop Charles Emmanuel Grace, better known as Sweet Daddy Grace, established the United House of Prayer for All People in 1919. Grace established the church from the ground up, using his strong personality and claim to divine authority to lead his flock. He was revered by his followers, who saw him as an emissary of God with the power to grant or withhold salvation. During his reign, Grace extended the church across the United States and established a solid community-oriented basis.
Upon his death in 1960, the church faced a leadership crisis as there was no clear succession plan in place. The church was left to determine the path forward, which led to internal disputes over who would take the helm.
Bishop Walter McCollough (1961–1991)
Following a lengthy period of tax disputes and leadership challenges, Walter McCollough was appointed as the second bishop in 1961. His accession put an end to the church’s internal turmoil and signaled a new period of growth and progress. McCollough was influential in spearheading a statewide construction campaign that increased the number of worship facilities and affordable housing projects under the UHOP umbrella. He emphasized community support by constructing day care centers and elder living facilities throughout the church’s districts.
One of his most important achievements was the establishment of the McCollough Scholarship Fund, which aims to assist church youngsters in pursuing higher education. Under McCollough’s leadership, the church purchased property and established a fleet of luxury coaches to assist church events. He died in 1991, leaving behind a well-established and growing company.
Bishop Samuel Christian Madison (1991–2008)
Following Bishop McCollough’s death, the church once again had a power struggle over leadership. Samuel Christian Madison, a senior pastor from “God’s White House” in Washington, D.C., was elected as the third bishop in a church-wide election held in May 1991. Madison’s election reinforced his position as successor, and he assumed command.
During his tenure, Madison oversaw the rehabilitation and building of over 123 Houses of Prayer, as well as other residential and commercial structures. He was a big supporter of scholastic excellence in the church, increasing the church’s scholarship programs through the Annual First Lady Scholastic excellence Awards. Bishop Madison died in April 2008, following a lengthy and profound service to the United House of Prayer.
Bishop C.M. (Sweet Daddy) Bailey (2008–2023)
In 2008, C.M. Bailey (Sweet Daddy Bailey) was elected the fourth bishop of the United House of Prayer for All People, succeeding Bishop Madison. A native of Newport News, Virginia, Bailey had previously served as the pastor of the United House of Prayer in Augusta, Georgia, a key congregation in the church’s organizational structure. Bailey’s leadership extended the church’s reach and continued the tradition of constructing new worship centers and community service projects.
Under Bailey’s administration, the church continued to grow, but he passed away in August 2023, once again leaving the church in search of a successor.
Bishop A.D. Cunningham (2023–Present)
A.D. Cunningham was elected as the fifth bishop of the United House of Prayer for All People on October 13, 2023, after Bishop Bailey died. Cunningham’s election opened a new chapter in the church’s history, and he is expected to guide the organization into the next stage of growth and development.
Cunningham, like his predecessors, inherits a church with a rich spiritual legacy and a strong focus on community involvement, education, and worship. His leadership will help shape the future of the United House of Prayer for All People.
Doctrine and Structure
The United House of Prayer for All People adheres to a stringent Pentecostal doctrine based on Jesus Christ’s teachings, as interpreted by the apostles. The bishop leads the church’s organizational structure, which includes elders, ministers, deacons, and congregants. Each House of Prayer is part of a regional district, which is led by a state minister. The UHOP is controlled by its constitution and bylaws, with the General Assembly monitoring significant decisions such as bishop elections and church governance revisions.
UHOP places a high value on public worship and community involvement, with daily and Sunday worship services. The church also interprets Acts 4:10-12 and Ephesians 2:20 literally, emphasizing Christ’s position as the cornerstone of Christian salvation.
Key Practices and Community Engagement
UHOP is known for its vibrant and outward professions of faith, and it conducts public baptisms, which are sometimes performed with fire hoses to symbolize the church’s aggressive spiritual attitude. Its annual Memorial Day parades, which honor prior bishops, are big events in many of the towns it serves. The church’s soul food restaurants also function as community gathering places, offering food and fellowship.
In keeping with its commitment to supporting the next generation, UHOP remains focused on educational and scholarship initiatives, providing opportunities for youth to pursue academic achievements.
Location of the United House of Prayer for All People
The United House of Prayer for All People (UHOP) is well-represented in the United States, with 145 worship locations in 29 states. The church’s national headquarters are in Washington, D.C., at 601 M Street NW. This facility serves as the denomination’s administrative and spiritual core.
Notable Locations:
- Corporate Headquarters:
- 1665 North Portal Drive, NW, Washington, D.C., 20012
- Historic Church Headquarters:
- 601 M Street NW, Washington, D.C.
- This location is significant in the church’s history and is listed on the Cultural Tourism DC African American Heritage Trail as a prominent African American landmark.
- First Church Building:
- West Wareham, Massachusetts
- This is where Bishop Grace built the first United House of Prayer for All People in 1919.
- Southern U.S. Presence:
- The church has a large footprint in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is one of the main hubs of its southern expansion. Many church events and parades are held here, reflecting its strong regional presence.
Locations Across States:
UHOP’s congregations are spread throughout major cities in states including:
- Massachusetts
- New York
- New Jersey
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Texas
- California
These locations are active centers of worship and community outreach, hosting events such as the church’s well-known Memorial Day parades and public baptisms.
